COLUMBIA, S.C. — As Thanksgiving week begins, millions of Americans are hitting the roads and skies for what AAA expects to be one of the busiest holiday travel periods in nearly two decades.

Nationwide, more than 80 million people are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, with about 90 percent of them doing so by car. AAA says drivers could see travel times increase by as much as 80 percent during peak congestion Tuesday and Wednesday between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. The return trip on Sunday is also expected to be one of the heaviest travel days of the year.

For flyers, airport officials say early preparation can help avoid delays and reduce stress. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE) spokesperson Kim Crafton says one of the most important steps travelers can take is to check in ahead of time

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